The first ever St. "Paw" Tricks Day parade kicked off at the Green Gate Inn in Camillus this afternoon. About 90 percent of the parade's $10 ticket price will go to the CNY Cat Coalition and 10 percent will go to the Humane Association of Central New York, both of which organized and sent volunteers to the event.

Bichon Frise "Lucky" took home first place honors in the "Best Costume" contest during the St. "Paw" Tricks parade, Saturday at the Green Gate Inn, Camillus. Each year for St. Patrick's Day owner Julie Daughton of Camillus colors Lucky's fur green.Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com

Kimberly Smith, the foster and volunteer coordinator at Recycle-A-Bull Bully Breed Rescue, hopes the parade will become an annual event to fundraise for the rescue groups.

"No one gets paid to do this," said Smith, who owns two rescue pit bulls as well (Mason and Bentley). "Everyone does it because they have a huge passion for the animals."

Barb Cahill of Camillus brought back her rescue dog "Ruby" from Aruba.

"They have so many dogs in bad shape," said Cahill. "Ruby had ehrlichiosis, which is an endemic tick disease, and we had her treated for that. She's been fine ever since."

Cahill believes the best way to get a pet is through rescue organizations.

"Give a dog who deserves a home a home," she said. "I hate to think of them not having a place to live. I know there are breeders out there but jeepers, rescue is the best way to go."

Channing Tobias of Liverpool can't get a dog because he has to travel frequently for his job. As a volunteer for the Humane Association of Central New York, he takes dogs out for walks and events. Today, he brought "Blackie," a 10-month-old shepherd/lab mix, to the parade.

"It's therapeutic," he said. "Blackie and I have really bonded. And it helps because the [organizations] want to keep the animals socialized while they wait to be adopted."

Irish food, Irish terriers and a bit of Irish luck

Cockapoo Callahan marches down main street during the St. "Paw" Tricks parade.

Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com

While pet owners noshed on corned beef and cabbage inside the Green Gate Inn, several dogs enjoyed shamrock-shaped treats outside after the parade. Native Man and the Funky White Boys played live music from 2-5 p.m.

Smith estimated the event raised about $1,500 at the door, a higher number than expected, and at least two potential adoptions are underway from the afternoon's pet meetings.

"Lucky," an 8-year-old Bichon-Frisé, won first place in the parade's "Best Costume" contest for his neon green coat.

Lucky isn't a traditional "rescue dog" – his owner Julie Daughton got him from a kennel – but he was missing for six months after a pet-sitter stole him and moved away.

"Syracuse Police got him back for me; I got him back Christmas Eve," said Daughton, of Camillus. "So in a way, he is a rescue."